Co-continuous blend of a fluoropolymer and a thermoplastic and method
AssigneeW. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
InventorsWolfgang Burger, Richard Witzko, Winfried Gleinser
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Microporous PTFE (ePTFE) is known to possess certain properties based on which it is excellently suited for specific purposes, for example, the material is air-permeable and water vapor-permeable, but not water-permeable so that it can be used for filter membranes, etc. In order to create additional functions and application possibilities for this material, a material is proposed that consists of a blend of a fluoropolymer and a thermoplastic. The two substances in the material are present as continuous structures, in which at least one of these structures, preferably both structures, are microporous. The two structures are intertwined with each other and form a so-called co-continuous macrostructure.
Claims14
Article comprising a blend of a fluoropolymer and a different polymer that is thermoplastic, each polymer having a continuous structure, said structures being intertwined with each other and at least one of said polymers being microporous;
- said fluoropolymer being selected from the class consisting of
- (i) a microporous stretched PTFE,
- (ii) a modified PTFE, or
- (iii) a blend of a microporous stretched PTFE and a fluoropolymer processible in the melt.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.